Lymphoma

Types of Lymphoma Explained - Hodgkin and Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma in India

Lymphoma is a cancer of the lymphatic system. This short explains the two main categories that doctors use to classify the disease.

The two main types of lymphoma

Lymphoma is broadly divided into two main groups, based on the type of cells involved.

• Hodgkin lymphoma. This type is marked by the presence of a specific abnormal cell called a Reed-Sternberg cell. It is less common than non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
• Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). This is a broader group of lymphomas that do not have Reed-Sternberg cells. There are many different subtypes of NHL, which can be slow-growing or aggressive.
• Why it matters. Distinguishing between these two types is the first step in planning your treatment, as they behave and respond to therapy differently.

How lymphoma is diagnosed

A diagnosis is usually confirmed through a procedure called a biopsy.

• Lymph node biopsy. A surgeon removes a small piece of tissue from an enlarged lymph node. This is the most common way to diagnose lymphoma.
• Pathology review. A specialist called a pathologist examines the tissue under a microscope. They look for cancer cells and identify the specific type of lymphoma.
• Further tests. You may also have blood tests, bone marrow biopsies, and imaging scans like CT or PET scans. These help to determine the stage of the cancer.

The information on this page is for general guidance. Whether a particular treatment is right for you depends on your individual case. A specialist can only advise you after reviewing your medical reports and recent imaging.